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jessmilner26's review against another edition
3.0
*I was sent an arc from netgalley in exchange for a free/honest review
This was a fun, quick anthology to fly through. It had colour and energy, and there were a few stand out stories but they were the more diverse ones, featuring woc or lgbtqia women (though the lgbt+ ones were a little thin on the ground. In fact I think there might have only been two, so I think that could be improved). I think this is a nice place to start if you want to get into reading feminist stories as the stories are not too long and they are all easy to read and understand, even if you aren't fully aware of the historical context before going into them. I did like that this book felt very hopeful for the futures of all these girls, and I would love to see an anthology like this set somewhere other than america.
This was a fun, quick anthology to fly through. It had colour and energy, and there were a few stand out stories but they were the more diverse ones, featuring woc or lgbtqia women (though the lgbt+ ones were a little thin on the ground. In fact I think there might have only been two, so I think that could be improved). I think this is a nice place to start if you want to get into reading feminist stories as the stories are not too long and they are all easy to read and understand, even if you aren't fully aware of the historical context before going into them. I did like that this book felt very hopeful for the futures of all these girls, and I would love to see an anthology like this set somewhere other than america.
m_buchanan's review against another edition
4.0
Another excellent collection of stories. Out of the three, this is my least favorite. But the stories were so intersectional in scope that this book gets four stars quite handily.
Standouts in this collection are, in order of my favorites:
- Lady Firebrand by Megan Shepherd
- Glamour by Anna-Marie McLemore
- When the Moonlight Isn’t Enough by Dhionelle Clayton
Each of these have amazing back stories and quick world building that brings you rushing into each of these women’s worlds. They deal with issues of ableism, war, racism, and one story brings to life an amazing transgender character.
As always, I highly recommend these fabulous series of short stories curated and edited by Jessica Spotswood. They should be in every library in the country; everyone deserves to see themselves reflected in stories.
Standouts in this collection are, in order of my favorites:
- Lady Firebrand by Megan Shepherd
- Glamour by Anna-Marie McLemore
- When the Moonlight Isn’t Enough by Dhionelle Clayton
Each of these have amazing back stories and quick world building that brings you rushing into each of these women’s worlds. They deal with issues of ableism, war, racism, and one story brings to life an amazing transgender character.
As always, I highly recommend these fabulous series of short stories curated and edited by Jessica Spotswood. They should be in every library in the country; everyone deserves to see themselves reflected in stories.
witchyechos's review against another edition
5.0
Ooooh, a nice sequel to the first set of short stories. These stories happen mostly in the last century, instead of further back like the first book. I hope they keep coming out with these anthologies.
serrendipity's review against another edition
4.0
I'm not one for short stories -- I prefer lengthy Victorian novels and fantasy series -- so when one of my bestests dropped this off for me to read during a convalescence period, I was interested by the concept, but not overly excited. Welp. I had trouble putting this book down. I'm still not a big fan of short stories, as I miss the more complicated and developed plots and when I get to the end (for some of them) I wanted *more,* and it just wasn't there. But these were fun to read and I think I'll pick up the first anthology. I could definitely see buying copies of these for when my kids are older -- I think they're great at offering historical perspective as well as offering diverse voices.
Favorite Stories, Ranked:
1. Glamour (1920's LA) -- hands down, my favorite so far -- maybe it's because I'm still thinking about Maggie Stiefvater's last book, or because magical realism has been a theme heavily emphasized in this season of Jane the Virgin, but I find myself wanting to read more and more of it. I plan on checking out more of McLemore's works.
2. Lady Firebrand (1860's Charleston)-- When I was little, I loved Civil War literature; I read Gone With The Wind in middle school and thought it was the most beautiful thing. I've always loved historical fiction, and maybe it was growing up in the North (without a proper understanding of the racial tensions that defined the antebellum South) but stories set in the South seemed so exotic to me. This story hearkens back to that -- just more socially aware.
3. Better For All The World (1920's Washington DC) -- This was just a really well-written, engaging story with a dynamic character. I finished this one wishing it were longer.
4. Step Right Up (1900's Midwest)-- We just watched _The Greatest Showman_ so I think I've got a little spark of curiosity about these stories. The LGBTQ+ character seemed a little randomly inserted, but eh. I get she was going for the whole "outsider" status thing.
5. Daughter of the Book (1830's Savannah) -- I liked the characters and the message of educational equality -- but after what followed, the story just seemed a little simple. A good story to start the collection though.
6. The Birth of Susi Go-Go (1970's Queens) -- One of the reasons I'm putting this so high is because of the setting: as I was reading, I imagined the action taking place in the apartment my dad grew up in Brooklyn, it was that clear and authentic to me. But as stories get more modern, I'm just not as captivated.
7. The Belle of the Ball (1950's Brooklyn) -- A good read, but...I liked The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel better. Another story about an aspiring female comic/comedy writer -- it's hard to match Amy Sherman-Palladino's wit.
8. Land of the Sweet, Home of the Brave (1950's California) -- The protagonist of this story was just a little too unlikable; I get that that was kind of the point, and also emphasized/explained why she used comedy as a defense mechanism but...yeah. Hard to root for her at times.
9. When The Moonlight Isn't Enough (1940's Massachusetts) -- UGH. I think I'm just not a Dhonielle Clayton fan. This one started out really interestingly -- the idea of drinking moonlight -- but then...??? IDK. It wasn't essential to the story or ever explained. Well. That's not entirely fair. It was relevant to the story -- the idea of not being patriots and whatnot -- but the story could have been just as strong (and I would say stronger) without it. With "Glamour," the magical realism was explained -- just enough that you understand why the women had the gift; here, I don't know? They're immortal? For some reason? Very frustrating.
10. The Magician (1850's Colorado) -- I've never been a fan of Westerns, so that may have contributed here. It also went on a little long.
11. You're A Stranger Here (1840's Illinois) -- I just read this story this morning, and I'm struggling to remember what it was about.
12. Take Me With U (1980's Boston) -- This one was a struggle to finish -- again, I think, because of the more contemporary setting; I just don't find the 1980s that fascinating, so it was hard to say invested.
Favorite Stories, Ranked:
1. Glamour (1920's LA) -- hands down, my favorite so far -- maybe it's because I'm still thinking about Maggie Stiefvater's last book, or because magical realism has been a theme heavily emphasized in this season of Jane the Virgin, but I find myself wanting to read more and more of it. I plan on checking out more of McLemore's works.
2. Lady Firebrand (1860's Charleston)-- When I was little, I loved Civil War literature; I read Gone With The Wind in middle school and thought it was the most beautiful thing. I've always loved historical fiction, and maybe it was growing up in the North (without a proper understanding of the racial tensions that defined the antebellum South) but stories set in the South seemed so exotic to me. This story hearkens back to that -- just more socially aware.
3. Better For All The World (1920's Washington DC) -- This was just a really well-written, engaging story with a dynamic character. I finished this one wishing it were longer.
4. Step Right Up (1900's Midwest)-- We just watched _The Greatest Showman_ so I think I've got a little spark of curiosity about these stories. The LGBTQ+ character seemed a little randomly inserted, but eh. I get she was going for the whole "outsider" status thing.
5. Daughter of the Book (1830's Savannah) -- I liked the characters and the message of educational equality -- but after what followed, the story just seemed a little simple. A good story to start the collection though.
6. The Birth of Susi Go-Go (1970's Queens) -- One of the reasons I'm putting this so high is because of the setting: as I was reading, I imagined the action taking place in the apartment my dad grew up in Brooklyn, it was that clear and authentic to me. But as stories get more modern, I'm just not as captivated.
7. The Belle of the Ball (1950's Brooklyn) -- A good read, but...I liked The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel better. Another story about an aspiring female comic/comedy writer -- it's hard to match Amy Sherman-Palladino's wit.
8. Land of the Sweet, Home of the Brave (1950's California) -- The protagonist of this story was just a little too unlikable; I get that that was kind of the point, and also emphasized/explained why she used comedy as a defense mechanism but...yeah. Hard to root for her at times.
9. When The Moonlight Isn't Enough (1940's Massachusetts) -- UGH. I think I'm just not a Dhonielle Clayton fan. This one started out really interestingly -- the idea of drinking moonlight -- but then...??? IDK. It wasn't essential to the story or ever explained. Well. That's not entirely fair. It was relevant to the story -- the idea of not being patriots and whatnot -- but the story could have been just as strong (and I would say stronger) without it. With "Glamour," the magical realism was explained -- just enough that you understand why the women had the gift; here, I don't know? They're immortal? For some reason? Very frustrating.
10. The Magician (1850's Colorado) -- I've never been a fan of Westerns, so that may have contributed here. It also went on a little long.
11. You're A Stranger Here (1840's Illinois) -- I just read this story this morning, and I'm struggling to remember what it was about.
12. Take Me With U (1980's Boston) -- This one was a struggle to finish -- again, I think, because of the more contemporary setting; I just don't find the 1980s that fascinating, so it was hard to say invested.
szuko08's review against another edition
5.0
I don’t rate my own books, so please consider this rating as one for the other 11 stories in here. They are truly amazing pieces of work, each taking place in different eras with wonderfully diverse protagonists who are united by their bravery in being their badass selves in the face of adversity. I laughed, got teary, and legitimately learned something from every story. I’m insanely honored to have a story among them.
sunlightandstories's review against another edition
4.0
I'm determined to start reading more historical fiction and more books with feminist themes. This book fits into both those categories and is why I want to read historical fiction particularly ones inspired by real women. Many of these stories are inspired by real events and real women. There have been many wonderful radical women who helped pave the way for equality, you don't get to hear about many of those ladies in history class. This book makes me want to make an effort to learn about them.
I'm fascinated by short stories I love how a whole and lovely story can get told in so little pages. All the stories are about different things and different girls but at there heart there all about the same thing, girls taking charge of their lives. Girls who stand up for what they believe in fight for the life they want, and in some cases learn to accept and love themselves. Most of the stories left me feeling inspired to continue to make my life into the one I've been dreaming of, they made me want to be the radical element in my own story.
My favorite story is definitely Better for All the World by Marieke Niikamp, it has an autistic #ownvoices protagonist who wants to be a lawyer. I was blown away by this story and now I must read Marieke's books. I also greatly enjoyed Daughter of the Book by Dahilia Adller it's about a jewish girl who rightly believes she deserves the same education as her brother.
Some of the stories didn't impress but I enjoyed most of them and would give the majority of them a four star rating. Overall I'm in love with this book, with the lovely stories in contains, and the brave, inspiring and radical protagonists that are featured in each of them.
“Respect, and perhaps, one day, even love yourself. It’s the most radical decision you can make.” - Marieke Nijkamp
I'm fascinated by short stories I love how a whole and lovely story can get told in so little pages. All the stories are about different things and different girls but at there heart there all about the same thing, girls taking charge of their lives. Girls who stand up for what they believe in fight for the life they want, and in some cases learn to accept and love themselves. Most of the stories left me feeling inspired to continue to make my life into the one I've been dreaming of, they made me want to be the radical element in my own story.
My favorite story is definitely Better for All the World by Marieke Niikamp, it has an autistic #ownvoices protagonist who wants to be a lawyer. I was blown away by this story and now I must read Marieke's books. I also greatly enjoyed Daughter of the Book by Dahilia Adller it's about a jewish girl who rightly believes she deserves the same education as her brother.
Some of the stories didn't impress but I enjoyed most of them and would give the majority of them a four star rating. Overall I'm in love with this book, with the lovely stories in contains, and the brave, inspiring and radical protagonists that are featured in each of them.
“Respect, and perhaps, one day, even love yourself. It’s the most radical decision you can make.” - Marieke Nijkamp
other_worlds_than_these's review against another edition
3.0
Short Story Ratings:
-Daughter of the Book - 4.5
-You’re a Stranger Here - 2.75
-The Magician - 3
-Lady Firebrand - 4
-Step Right Up - 3
-Glamour - 3.75
-Better for All The World - 4.5
-When The Moonlight Isn’t Enough - 4.5
-The Bell of the Ball - 3.5
-Land of the Sweet, Home of the Brave - 4
-The Birth Of Susie Go-Go - 3.5
-Take Me With U - 3.75
Average rating: 3.70/5 ⭐️ I’m giving this a 3/5 in Goodreads only because although I did enjoy most of the stories, I wish it was more diverse with lgbt+ characters and relationships and also this book nearly put me in a reading slump and shouldn’t not have taken me over ten days to read :/
-Daughter of the Book - 4.5
-You’re a Stranger Here - 2.75
-The Magician - 3
-Lady Firebrand - 4
-Step Right Up - 3
-Glamour - 3.75
-Better for All The World - 4.5
-When The Moonlight Isn’t Enough - 4.5
-The Bell of the Ball - 3.5
-Land of the Sweet, Home of the Brave - 4
-The Birth Of Susie Go-Go - 3.5
-Take Me With U - 3.75
Average rating: 3.70/5 ⭐️ I’m giving this a 3/5 in Goodreads only because although I did enjoy most of the stories, I wish it was more diverse with lgbt+ characters and relationships and also this book nearly put me in a reading slump and shouldn’t not have taken me over ten days to read :/
thebookberrie's review against another edition
2.0
I feel so awful but I really just didn't like any of these stories. I don't know how it happened because I loved the first one, [b:A Tyranny of Petticoats|22020592|A Tyranny of Petticoats (A Tyranny of Petticoats, #1)|Jessica Spotswood|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1440757116s/22020592.jpg|41337326] so much! Maybe I just wasn't in the mood for historical fiction, novellas, or maybe I'm just not a fan of the authors picked, I don't know. It took me so long to get through this as well.
While I'm not the biggest fan of anthologies, I don't hate them and I've read some really good ones this year. I can always point out a couple stories that I absolutely loved but I feel like this time I can only point out some that I mildly liked. A lot of these stories were diverse in different time periods but they just felt... bland and like they weren't going anywhere. It starts off weak and I thought the stories would get better going on but they didn't.
I want to give this one star because I really didn't feel any stories but I just feel bad.
While I'm not the biggest fan of anthologies, I don't hate them and I've read some really good ones this year. I can always point out a couple stories that I absolutely loved but I feel like this time I can only point out some that I mildly liked. A lot of these stories were diverse in different time periods but they just felt... bland and like they weren't going anywhere. It starts off weak and I thought the stories would get better going on but they didn't.
I want to give this one star because I really didn't feel any stories but I just feel bad.
estanceveyrac's review against another edition
5.0
Marieke Nikkamp's story is very strong. I'm liking this anthology a lot more than the previous one.
readingrobin's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
On the whole, I think this is a pretty strong anthology and caters well to those that enjoy historical fiction across a range of time periods. While I think it started off a bit weak, I didn't really connect to the first two stories despite their appeal, there are some really memorable tales in this collection. My favorites include:
The Magician by Erin Bowman
Lady Firebrand by Meagan Shepherd
Step Right Up by Jessica Spotswood
Glamour by Anna Marie McLemore
The Belle of the Ball by Sarvenaz Tash
Take Me With U by Sara Farizan
One constant I found throughout the stories is that I wish they had been just a little longer. Some stop before they get a good sense of closure and we're left wondering what the resolution to the story is. Personally, I find open endings can be a bit unsatisfying, and, while they did end dramatically and purposefully, I still would loved more rounded out conclusions.
The Magician by Erin Bowman
Lady Firebrand by Meagan Shepherd
Step Right Up by Jessica Spotswood
Glamour by Anna Marie McLemore
The Belle of the Ball by Sarvenaz Tash
Take Me With U by Sara Farizan
One constant I found throughout the stories is that I wish they had been just a little longer. Some stop before they get a good sense of closure and we're left wondering what the resolution to the story is. Personally, I find open endings can be a bit unsatisfying, and, while they did end dramatically and purposefully, I still would loved more rounded out conclusions.